Gallery: United Airlines slammed for passenger removal

SaltWire Network

Published: Apr 11, 2017 at midnight

Updated: Oct 02, 2017 at 11:52 a.m.

FILE PHOTO: United Airlines

The U.S.-based airline has had it's share of PR trouble (remember "United Breaks Guitars"?), but few can compare to the kerfuffle caused when security dragged a man from a flight Sunday. Here's some of the fallout.

The memes were quick and deadly. But at least for one well-known company, the United incident couldn't have come at a better time.

Of course, the pop-culture villians had to make an appearance, be it from "Star Wars" …

… "Walking Dead" …

… "Star Trek" …

… "The Hunger Games" …

… or "Robocop".

Perhaps some customer-service rep picked the wrong day to quit sniffin' glue …

The suggestion that the passenger should have left the plane without incident did not fly with everyone.

And there are a few new ads United may not want to see, both in print …

… or video.

Passengers were also ready with the quips.

But perhaps United has taken care of its overbooking problem in a novel way.

Or has something new to offer its customers.

And perhaps there's a spinoff benefit in store.

Other airlines are just dancing at the thought of United Airlines' troubles.

Or at least happy to point out their difference in customer service, like this Turkish Arlines crew who helped deliver a baby.

And while the CEO of United offered something of an explanation, it really didn't get off the ground.